Double Leg Takedown
Takedown
Also known as:
Double Leg
The double leg takedown involves shooting in to grab both of the opponent's legs, driving through them to bring them to the ground while you land in top position. It is one of the most fundamental and high-percentage takedowns in grappling, effective in both gi and no-gi, and commonly entered from clinch positions or as a direct shot from standing.
Quick Reference
Key principles
- · A deep level change with bent knees—not bending at the waist—is essential to penetrate below the opponent's center of gravity.
- · The penetration step must place your lead knee between the opponent's feet to close distance and create an advantageous angle.
- · Driving forward with your shoulder pressure into the opponent's hips while lifting disrupts their base and prevents sprawl recovery.
- · Keeping your head tight to the opponent's hip on the outside prevents guillotine counters.
- · If the opponent sprawls, immediately transition to running the pipe or switching to a single leg rather than stalling underneath.
Execution
- 1 Set up the shot with a snap, arm drag, or push-pull to disrupt the opponent's posture and create an opening.
- 2 Drop your level by bending your knees and take a deep penetration step, placing your lead knee between the opponent's feet while your hands reach behind both knees or thighs.
- 3 Make chest-to-thigh contact, lock your hands behind their legs, and drive forward at an upward angle using your legs, keeping your head on the outside of their hip.
- 4 Finish by cutting the corner—stepping to one side and angling your drive—to off-balance them and take them down to the mat.
- 5 Land in top position, immediately establishing side control or settling into their half guard with strong upper body pressure.
Common mistakes
- × Bending at the waist instead of the knees during the level change, which leaves you vulnerable to sprawls and front headlock attacks.
- × Placing the head in the center of the opponent's chest, exposing yourself to guillotine chokes instead of keeping it tight to the outside hip.
- × Shooting from too far away without a proper setup, allowing the opponent to easily read the takedown and sprawl or stuff it.
Do it from
Positions and situations where the Double Leg Takedown shows up.
2 less common
De La Riva Guard Top
Overhook Control Clinch
Where it lands
The position you end up in.
Side Control Top
Common defenses
How opponents shut the Double Leg Takedown down.
